Tikka t1x IBI barrel

I just put a Lothar Walther on my 457 and it's 1:16. From what I've read on the 1:12 you lose a bit on the closer shots and gain at longer range (300+ m). For me the tradeoff wasn't worth it when I looked at the range of targets seen at local matches. I haven't read enough about the 1:14 to have an opinion.
 
Perhaps it doesn't matter what faster twist rate is chosen. A better barrel might be the most important thing.

There's probably only one reason why shooters select a .22LR barrel that's not the standard 1:16 twist. It's not because there's a serious and reliable set of data available that actually proves that a faster twist rate -- whether it's 1:12 or 1:14 or something else -- performs better than standard twist at longer (or shorter) distances. It must be that faster twist .22LR barrels are being used because others are doing it.

In other words, while there are anecdotal reports making claims for one particular twist rate or another, there's no reliable and repeatable testing results published in print or online that demonstrates what twist rate is best. (If anyone is aware of such testing results, please share the information.)

There's a real problem in collecting data about the performance of different twist rates, especially at long distances. While it's challenging enough to make consistent comparisons at 100 yards, making them at two or three times the distance is even more difficult. Making apples to apples comparisons when shooting long distances outdoors with different rounds of ammo is not easily done.

One reason shooters may seek out different twist rates for long range rimfire may derive from the increasingly anemic performance of .22LR ammo as distance increases. Looking for ways to mitigate poor ammo performance is unsurprising even if currently unproven.
 
grauhanen said:
Perhaps it doesn't matter what faster twist rate is chosen. A better barrel might be the most important thing.

There's probably only one reason why shooters select a .22LR barrel that's not the standard 1:16 twist. It's not because there's a serious and reliable set of data available that actually proves that a faster twist rate -- whether it's 1:12 or 1:14 or something else -- performs better than standard twist at longer (or shorter) distances. It must be that faster twist .22LR barrels are being used because others are doing it.

In other words, while there are anecdotal reports making claims for one particular twist rate or another, there's no reliable and repeatable testing results published in print or online that demonstrates what twist rate is best. (If anyone is aware of such testing results, please share the information.)

There's a real problem in collecting data about the performance of different twist rates, especially at long distances. While it's challenging enough to make consistent comparisons at 100 yards, making them at two or three times the distance is even more difficult. Making apples to apples comparisons when shooting long distances outdoors with different rounds of ammo is not easily done.

One reason shooters may seek out different twist rates for long range rimfire may derive from the increasingly anemic performance of .22LR ammo as distance increases. Looking for ways to mitigate poor ammo performance is unsurprising even if currently unproven.
Click to expand...

Performance wise, I am getting stellar results with the factory 1:16.5 (.3's@ 50, some .4's @ 100 with a .6 AVG) however, that is only at 100 yards. I finished my build last year but have only had time recently to start pushing the distance. Fortunately for me, after testing some 15+ types of ammo, what performed well at 50, carried through at 100 so I am confident I am on the right track ammo wise but will continue to test. The reason I am considering a new barrel is to add some weight up front to balance things out a bit. My current rifle has a 20" barrel but its thin. I was thinking 20-22 (or even longer) for the replacement barrel.

I have attempted to find some concrete data on twist rate/barrel length for the 22lr but like you have mentioned, there really is nothing out there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom